WASHINGTON - In light of the recent urban black bear incidents in both New Jersey and New Mexico, The Humane Society of the United States would like to remind citizens of the best means of coexisting with these animals. Although bears will usually choose to avoid human habitation, in times of scarce food or water, adverse weather conditions, or increased human development, bears may be forced into contact with people.

"Bears, like most animals, are attracted by potential sources of food, including anything that smells edible like an unattended bottle of suntan lotion or scented candle," said Lauren Nolfo-Clements, Ph.D., wildlife scientist for The HSUS. "It is essential that people who live in or anywhere near bear habitat secure any and all potential bear attractants."  

The HSUS suggests the following:

• Keep trash indoors until pickup day. When you do set trash out, only do so in secured or refuse containers. Keep trash cans cleaned and deodorized.
• Avoid composting food scraps. The majority of black bear diets consist of plant not animal matter so even vegetable scraps can attract bears.
• Bird feeders should only be put out during colder months (November - March) and should be taken down at night.
• Pet food and bowls should never be left outside.
• Fruit trees should be harvested as soon as the fruit is ripe.
• Gardens should be fenced to keep out not just bears but other wildlife such as deer. As with fruit trees, vegetables should be harvested upon ripening.
• Barbeques should be cleaned after each use and stored away from the house in an area free of underbrush. .
• Beehives should be located away from the house.

"In the event that a bear is sighted in your neighborhood, do not panic. Bears generally wish to mind their own business and will seldom be interested in people," said Nolfo-Clements.  "If you avoid the bear, chances are it will wander off without even acknowledging your presence."

If you happen to find yourself face to face with a black bear, The HSUS suggests some things you can do:

• Do not run or play dead.   
• Do not approach the bear but stand your ground.
• Hold out your arms to appear larger.
• Make lots of noise.
• Throw things at the bear to drive it away.   

According to The HSUS, the best way to deal with black bear and carnivore conflicts in general is through aversive conditioning. Bears that are spotted in urban or suburban areas should be driven off by wildlife professionals using such tactics as rubber bullets, pyrotechnics, repellents, body postures and vocalizations. In some areas, specially trained Karelian bear dogs can be employed to re-instill the natural wariness of humans that some bears may have lost.

"Hunting or euthanizing wildlife does not alleviate conflict with humans," said Nolfo-Clements. "A dead animal has no way of remembering or conveying its negative experience with humans to other bears. The best way to reduce human - bear conflict is through the education of both bears and humans on how to avoid potential conflicts."

For more information on dealing with wildlife conflicts, please visit www.wildneighbors.org.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with more than 9.5 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammals, animals in research, equine protection, and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy and field work. The nonprofit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives and offices across the country. On the web at  www.hsus.org .